Bagging machine



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A. JOHNSON ETAL v 3,208,194

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A oRNEY Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON ETAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-51196118Filed Feb. 4. 1965 NNY n?? OMM, M MM nvw M United States Patent Osausage BAGGING MACHINE Allie Johnson and Roy D. Choate, both of Rte. 1,Pulaski, Tenn. Filed Feb. 4, 1963, Ser. i To. 256,798' 13 Claims. (Cl.53-199) This is a continuation-in-part application ot' the originalapplication of Allie Johnson and Roy D. Choate, S.N. 125,693, tiled July2l, 1961, or Bagging Machine, now abandoned. This invention relates to abagging machine, and more particularly to a machine for use in bagginggranular material or the like.

One object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel machine forautomatically picking up one bag at a time from a stack of collapsedbags, transferring each bag to a position where it is automaticallyopened, lling each bag with a predetermined quantity of material, andconveying the bag through means for automatically closing it forstitching in a conventional stitching machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bagging machine havingmeans for continuously engaging and carrying a bag from a magazinethrough positions for opening and filling the bag, without releasing thebag until it is filled.

A further object of this invention is to provide a bagging machineespecially suitable for handling paper bags, such as those employed ascontainers for feed, including pellettype feed, and for other granularmaterials, such as fertilizer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machineemploying low pressure suction means for handling the bags.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bagging machine forcooperative use with a conventional automatic weighing and dumpingmachine for filling the bags with material of a specified weight.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine whichmay be operated rapidly and with precision by even inexperiencedpersonnel.

A further object of this invention is to provide a bagging machineemploying only two suction heads for continuously carrying out thesequence of operations of picking up, transferring, and opening the bagfor filling, and releasing the bag after it is lled.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machineemploying only two suction heads, one of which continuously engages thebag from the time it is picked up from the magazine until after it isfilled.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine whichis durable and economical.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe following description of the invention taken in conjunction with thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan View of the bagging machine constructed accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken along the line 2 2 of FIG. 1, with partsbroken away and in section;

FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line 3 3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along the line 5 5 of FIG. 3, with thestitching machine omitted;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the suction fan with the motor removed;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal section taken through one of thesuction fan inlet pipes;

FIG. S is a section taken along the line 8 8 of FIG. 1, with partsomitted for clarity of illustration; i

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation of the lower part of the track and itsassociated parts for raising and lowering one of the suction heads;

FIG. 10 is a section taken along the line 11i-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1l is a section taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a section taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic View disclosing the operation of the suctionheads;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit for controllingthe operation of the wheels;

FIG. 14a is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuits orcontrolling the suction fan and the conveyor belts;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the wheels and some of the parts operativelyassociated therewith;

FIG. 16 is a section ltaken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary plan view showing the means for operating thegate;

FIG. 17a is a view taken along the line 17a 17a of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a section along the line 18-18 of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a viewtaken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary elevation with parts in section showing thegate and latching means;

FIG. 2l is a fragmentary elevation with parts in section disclosing themeans for elevating one of the suction heads.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the bagging machine 39 in thepresent invention comprises a frame 29, including a bottom section 3l,FIG. 2. The bottom section 31 embodies horizontally disposed, parallel,longitudinal beams 32 and 33. Braces 34, 35 and 36 extend laterallybetween and are secured to the beams 32 and 33. The frame 29 furtherincludes a pair of first or front opstanding posts 37, a pair of secondor intermediate upstanding posts 38, and `a pair of third or rearupstanding posts 39, FIG. 4. The posts 37 and 38 are substanially thesame height, but the posts 39 are shorter than the posts 37 and 3S. Theframework 29 further includes horizon-tally disposed, longitudinal bars40 and 4I which extend between and are secured, as by welding, to theupper ends of corresponding first and second posts 37 and 3S. Lateralend pieces 42 and 43 are arranged at right angles to and connect theends of bars 40 and 41, FIG. 1. A pair of horizontally disposed,longitudinal top bars 44 extend between and are suitably secured, as bywelding, -to the upper ends of the rear posts 39 and intermediateportions of the posts 38, FIG. 4. The upper ends of the rear posts 39may be joined by a horizontally disposed lateral end bar 45.

Arranged exteriorly of the frame 29 and spaced adjacent thereto is acontainer, or magazine 46, adapted to hold a plurality of superimposedempty bags S2 stacked in collapsed position, and supplied from anysuitable source. The container 46 includes a horizontally disposedbottom wall 47, spaced parallel vertically disposed side walls 4S and49, and spaced parallel disposed end walls 5@ and 5l, FIG. 1. The bagsS2 are maintained at a constant level in the container 46 by means of averticaily adjustable base 53 urged upwardly by spring members 54interposed between the base 53 and the bottom wall 57, FIG. 3.

A first electrical motor 55 is arranged adjacent the container ormagazine 46, FIGS. 1 and 2. Through the shaft 56, the motor 55 isoperatively connected to reversing mechanism S7 and a gear reducer 58 ofconventional construction. The reducer 58 in turn drives the shaft 59,supporting for rotation therewith first and second spaced parallelvertically disposed wheels 64B and 6i.

The rotary shaft 59 is journalled in bearings 62 aflixed to the end wall51 of the container 46.

The reversing mechanism 57 is such that as long as the shaft 56continues to rotate in the forward direction, the mechanism 57 willdrive the gear reducer 5S and the shaft 59 in the forward direction for180 of rotation and then automatically reverse the direction of rotationof the reducer 58 and shaft 59 for 180 until the shaft 59 has returnedto its original starting position. The cycle is then repeated so thatthe shaft 59 and the wheels 61B and 61 will oscillate through a 180 arcas long as the motor 55 continues to drive the shaft 56. The reversingmechanism 57 may be of any conventional type, such as found in a washingmachine having an oscillating dasher or blade, for example the KenmoreWasher W26A 325ON, illustrated in the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue,Spring-Summer 1963, p. 1243.

As best disclosed in FIG. 15, annular grooves 63 are provided in theouter periphery of the wheel 6@ and grooves 64 are provided in the outerperiphery of wheel 61. A cable 65 is fixed at one end of the wheel 69,and passes around the wheel 61B in the grooves 63. In a lsimilar mannera cable 66 is fixed at one end to the wheel 61 and fits around the wheelin the grooves 64. The upper portions of cables 65 and 66 pass aroundidler pulleys 67 and 68 respectively, which are rotatably mounted at op-'posite ends of the bar 41, FIG. 3. A pair of similar tracks or rails 69are arranged parallel to each other and suitably secured to the frame29, FIG. 2. Each track 69 includes an upwardly disposed, verticallyarranged section 711 and an inclined section 71 below the verticalsection 70. Each of the tracks 69 further includes spaced parallelflanges 72, 73 and 75, joined by the end portions 74, to define upperand lower passageways 76 and 77. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower flange 73and the intermediate flange 75 are provided with adjacent arcuatesections 78 and '79, which define pivot areas 80 and 81. A large roller82 and a smaller roller 83 for each track 69 are rotatably supported onan arm 84. The roller 82 is adapted to move in the passageway ,76, whilethe roller 33 is adapted to move in the passageway 77. The cables 65 and66 are fastened to corresponding arms 84, joined for operation in unisonby the rod 35, FIG. 11.

FIG. 3 discloses a suction or vacuum creating unit 86, including astationary casing 87, which may include a conventional suction fan orblower, not shown, and provided with an outlet 91. The suction unit 86is operated by a motor 88 supported adjacent thereto on a platform orshelf 89 fixed to the frame 29. The motor S3 is coupled to the suctionunit 86 through the rotary shaft 90. A fitting 92 including a main bodyportion 93 and an intermediate or conduit section 94 is conected to thesuction unit 86, as disclosed in FIG. 1. First and second flexiblevacuum tubes lor conduits 95 and 96 are connected respectively to theopposite ends of the main body portion 93. The free end of the vacuumtube 95 comprises a suction head, such as the cylindrical sleeve 97 ofrigid material, having an annular band 98 of a suitable material, suchas felt, for `vacuum-seal engagement with the uppermost bag 52 in themagazine 46. The suction head 97 is fixed to the rod 85, by means suchas the collar 99.

Thus, it will be seen that as the motor 55 is driven, the suction head97 will be reciprocated in a translatory path defined by the tracks 69.Moreover, the direction of movement of the suction head 97 will bedetermined by the direction of oscillation of the reversing mechanism57. However, the timing ofthe reversing mechanism 57, the length of thetracks 69 and the diameter of the wheels V60 and 61 are such that whenthe reversing mechanism 57 is driven forward 180, the suction head 97will move upward the length of the tracks 69, from the lower solidline,pickup position to the upper dashed-line, filling position of FIG. 13.When the reversing mechanism 57 is driven in the opposite or reversedirection, the suction head 97 is returned through the same path fromthe upper dashed-line position to its original solid-line position inFIG. 3. Thus, the suction head 97 moves through one complete cycle foreach oscillating cycle of the reversing mechanism 57.

As best disclosed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the free end of the tube 96comprises a suction head, such as the cylindrical element 100 adapted tobe slidably received in a cylindrical collar 101. Lugs 1112 are suitablysecured to or formed integral with the sliding cylindrical element 100,apertured ears 103 are fixed tothe outer portion of the collar 101, andreturn coil springs 194 extend between the lugs 162 and ears 163. Abushing 105 is aflixed to the upper portion of the collar 101 to receivea cross rod 106.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 disclose a pair of similar mounting units 107comprising an upstanding support piece 10S having lower portions 110received in brackets 169 afiixed to the bottom of the frame 29, such asthe posts 37 and 38, by means of the adjustable set screws 111. Avertically disposed casing 112 is secured to the upper portion of eachsupport piece 19S. A stem 113 having an enlarged head 114 at its lowerend is adapted to reciprocate in the casing 112 so that the stem 113projects above the casing 112, FIG. 2. The coil spring 115 surrounds theportion of the stem 113 within the casing 112 between the enlarged head114 and the top 116 of the casing 112.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cable 117 is operatively connected at one end tothe cross rod 106, and passes over guide pulleys 113 and 119, FIGS. 2and 13, supported respectively at the top and bottom of the frame 29,preferably on the posts 38. The cable 117 is conected to a pivotallysupported lever 121 which forms part of the tripping mechanism 120. Thelever 121 is pivotally supported at 126 on a pillow block 122. A finger123 is hingedly connected to a projecting portion of the lever 121 bymeans of pivot pin 124. A spring member 125 is provided for normallymaintaining the finger 123 in the extended position disclosed in FIGS. 2and 13 for operative engagement by the lug or projection 127 on thewheel 61.

Diametrically opposed pins 128 extend laterally from the movablecylindrical element 100, for engagement by the fork-like member 129,FIG. 2. The lower portion of the fork-like member 129 is secured to theupper end of the standard 130, which has its lower end pivotallyconnected at 132 to a bracket 131, suitably affixed to the lower portionof the frame 29. Affixed to the movable standard 136 is a bracketelement or rod 133 to which is connected a cable 134 engaging the idlerpulleys 135 and 136 supported on the frame 29. Tripping mechanism 137,similar t0 the tripping mechanism 129, is disclosed in FIG. 15 forcontrolling the cable 134. The tripping mechanism 137 includes a triplever 138 pivotally supported by the pin 126. The finger 142 is hingedlyconnected to the lever 138 at 139, and is maintained in extendedposition for operative engagement with the projection 141 on one side ofthe wheel 60 by means of a spring member 140. One end of the cable 134is connected to the member 133 on the standard 130, while the other endof the cable 134 is connected to the trip lever 13S by means of an eyebolt 143.

Arranged externally of the frame 29 is a motor 144, FIG. 5, for drivinga shaft 145 operatively connected to a gear box 146, which in turndrives another shaft 147. The shaft 147 is suitably supported by bearingmembers 149 fixed between upstanding posts 148 and 39, FIG. 4, forcarrying a drive roller 152. In FIG. 3, bearing elements 159 aresupported on posts 37 for carrying a driven shaft 151 supporting anidler roller 153. A Wide endless belt 154 is trained around the rollers153 and 154 to pro- Vvide a conveyor 155 for the bags 52.

As disclosed in FIG. 5, pulley members 156 are connected to the outerend portions of the drive shaft 147 for elements 158 supported above thepulley members 156 on shafts 159 in brackets 160 fixed to the posts 39and 148. Brackets 161 extend inwardly from the posts 39 and 148 tosupport vertical shafts 162 rotatably carrying upper pulleys 163 andlower pulleys 164. The lower pulleys 164 are driven by the belts 157 torotate the upper pulleys 163.

In order to provide a means for closing the upper open end portions yofthe bags 52 after they have been iilled, a pair of idler pulleys 170 arerotatably supported on vertically disposed shafts 169 fixed to the frame29 (FIG. 1). A pair of endless belts 165 are trained around therespective pulleys 170 and 163 which are arranged to converge toward thestitching machine 168. The pulleys 163 are driven in a direction tocause the inner legs of the belts 165 to move in the same direction asthe bags 52 moving on the conveyor belt 154. Thus, the belts 165 deiinea narrow throat-like exit area 166 and a wider entrance area 167 togradually force the tops of the bags together in closed position, beforethey enter the stitching machine 168.

This invention further includes a trough 171 (FIG. 5), includingvertically-disposed, spaced, parallel adjustable side members 172 and173, between which the lled bags 52 are adapted to move. The manuallyoperable screw members 174 have inner ends connected as at 175 to abutthe side members 172 and 173, and are adapted to be manually rotated bythe handles 176. The screw members 174 are supported in threadedengagement with braces 177 tixed to the frame 29, so that the rotationof the screw members 174 will move the side members 172 or 173 toward oraway from each other to accommodate bags of different sizes or shapes.

A gate or closure 178 associated with the side member 173 is adapted tobe selectively held in closed or locked position by means of a lockingmechanism or latch 179. As shown in FIG. 20, the latch 170 includes amovable stem or shank 180 having one end pivotally connected to a bellcrank 181, and the -other end carrying a keeper or tooth 182. A springmember, such as coil spring 183, is arranged within the stationarycasing 187 surrounding the stem 180. The keeper 182 is adapted to engagean opening 184 in the gate 178 to selectively maintain the gate lockedin closed position. A cable 185 is connected at one end to the bellcrank 181, which is pivotally connected to the frame 29 by means of apivot pin 186. The other end of the cable 185 is connected to a triplever 189 forming part of a tripping mechanism 190, FIG. 19. Thetripping mechanism 190 comprises the pillow block 191 pivotallysupporting the lever 189 by means of a pin 192. The lever 189 is adaptedto co-act with the projection or lug 196 on the periphery of the wheel61.

Secured to or formed integrally with the gate 178 are bushings 197through which extend rods 198. The relative position of the rods 198 inthe bushings 197 are adjusted by means of set screws 199, FIG. 17. Thegate 178 is adapted to be swung about a hinge mounting 200 including apintle pin 201 rotatably supported in a tubular section 202 associatedwith a bracket piece 203. A spring member 204 is anchored at one end 205to the gate 178 and at its other end 286 to the frame 29. A link 207 isconnected at one end to the pin 201 and its other end to a cable Spassing over the idler pulley 209, FIG. 17a, to its connection with atrip lever 210 forming part of the tripping mechanism 214. Trip lever210 is pivotally supported on a block 212 at 211, and is adapted toco-act with the projection or lug 213 on the outer periphery of thewheel 68.

FIG. 12 discloses the details of a portion of a hopper 215 ofconventional construction having a discharge chute or spout 216, andcontains the material 217, such as feed or fertilizer, to be dispensedinto the bags 52. A weight controlled plate 218 is adapted to dump thematerial 217 from the hopper 215 through the chute 216 when the weightof the material has attained a predetermined value. The plate 218 may bepivotally supported on a hinge 219 containing a coil spring, not shown,having a predetermined tension suicient to bias the plate 218 closed,until the weight of the material 217 equals or exceeds its predeterminedvalue. The hinge 219 is operatively connected to an arm 220.

Arranged in the main body portion 93 of the iitting 92 is a pair ofmovable dampers or plates 221 and 223, which control the vacuum to thetubes and 96, respectively, FiG, 13. The damper 221 is fixed to a pivotshaft 222, while the damper 223 is xed to a corresponding pivot shaft224. One end of a link or arm 225 is operatively connected to an endportion of the shaft 222, while the other end of the arm 225 isconnected to a return spring 226. The lower end of the arm 220` isconnected by a cable 227 to the arm 225. The upper end of the arm 220 ispivotally connected by a rod 228 to a link 229 operatively connected tothe pivot shaft 224 for the damper 223. The link 229 is also connectedto a return spring 230. The connection between the rod 228 and the link229 comprises an eye 229 on the link 229 through which the rod 228 isadapted to slide. The end of the lrod 228 is provided with a head 228.

As best disclosed in FIG. 13, one end of a cable 231 is connected to thearm 225, while the other end of the cable 231 passes over the idlerpulley 232 fixed to the frame 29, and is connected to a trip lever 233forming a part of the tripping mechanism 237. The trip lever 233 ispivotally connected at 234 to a support 235, and is adapted to co-actwith the lug or projection 236 on the side of the wheel 61.

One end of the cable 238 is operatively connected to the link 229 formoving the damper 223, while the remainder of the cable 238 passes overthe idler pulleys 239 and 248, the other end of the cable 238 beingoperatively connected to a trip lever 241 forming a part of the trippingmechanism 242. The tripping lever 241 is pivotaL ly mounted on the pin26', FIGS. 15 and 16, and carries the finger 2413, pivotally connectedat 244 and biased by the spring member 2115 n extended position toco-act with the projection or lug 246 on the side of the wheel 60.

FIG. 14 discloses the electrical circuit for controlling the stoppingand starting of the motor 55 during each complete cycle for handling abag 52. The motor starting switch 253 and its circuit 254 are connectedin parallel with the switch 255, but each switch 253 and 255 isconnected in series with the motor 55 and the power leads 259, so thatwhen either switch 253 or 255 is closed the motor is running. The switch255 comprises a movable contact 256, adapted to be engaged by a lug 257on the periphery of the wheel 61 to open the switch 255 and stop themotor 55, when the switch 253 is open. The timing of the machine is suchthat the lug 257 will rotate into engagement with the contact 256 tostop the motor 55 when both suction heads 97 and 100 are in theiruppermost bag-filling positions disclosed in phantom in FIG. 13.However, the `switch 253 may be mounted on the hopper 215, so that thepivotal movement of the arm 220 gate 218, will engage and close theswitch 253 to re-start the motor 55 for another cycle. The lug 257 willthen rotate to disengage the contact 256 to again close the switch 255.The re-closed switch 255 permits the motor 55 to continue running, sincethe arm 228 returns to its original position as soon as the plate 218closes after the material 217 is dumped. Thus, the switch 253 is closedjust long enough to restart the motor 55 and re-close the switch 255.

With the machine operating, one bag 52 at a time will be picked up bythe suction head 97 and moved from a substantially horizontal to agenerally vertically disposed position so that the opposite side of thebag may be engaged bythe suction head 180, and subsequently opened whena vacuum is selectively created in the tube 96. With the bag 52 open,material 217 is dispensed from vthe hopper 215 through the chute 216into the open bag.

When the bag is lled, the vacuum in the suction heads is removed and theconveyor 155 carries the filled bag between the belts 165 to be closedfor further processing, such as by entering the conventional stitchingmachine 168.

Considering the operation of the invention in more detail, the emptycollapsed bags 52 are stacked in horizontal position on the springsupported base 53, which maintains the top bag at a substantiallyconstant level. The suction head 97 is supported in its initialbag-engaging or pickup position disclosed in FIG. 2, through the rod 85supported by the rollers 82 and 83 resting at the bottom of theirrespective passageways '76 and '77. With the damper 221 open asdisclosed in the dashed-line position of FIG. 7, vacuum may be createdin the tube 95 and the suction head 97 to rmly grip the top bag 52 onthe stack. The felt-like member 98 on the suction head provides a tightjoint between the suction head 97 and the bag 52.

Initially, the main switch 248, FIG. 14a, is closed to start the motor55 to drive the wheels 60 and 61 forward, to start the motor 88 forvacuum unit 86, and to start the motor 144 for the conveyors 155 and165. When the motor 88 is started, only the damper 221 is open so thetop bag 52 can be picked up by the suction head 97, FIGS. 2, 3 and 13.As the wheels 60 and 61 begin to rotate forward in the direction of thearrow in FIG. 13, the cables 65 and 66 begin to wind on their respectivewheels to elevate the arms 84, rod 85 and suction head 97 carrying thetop bag 52, along the tracks 69. When the rollers 82 and 83 traverse thepivot areas 88 and 81, the arms 84, and consequently the suction head97, pivot through approximately 90 to rotate the carried bag 52 from ahorizontal to a vertical position, as is shown in the sequential phantompositions in FIG. 2.

The arm lever 189 of the tripping mechanism 190, FIG. 19, is thentripped by the lug 196 on the wheel 61 to apply tension to the cable 185and pivot the bell crank 181 about the pin 186 to retract the keeper 182from its retainer 184 in the gate 178.

With the gate 178 unlatched, the spring 284 will open the gate 178 fromthe solid-line position to the phantom position yof FIG. 17, to permitthe passage of bag 52 into the trough 171.

After the suction head 97 has reached the vicinity of the intersectionof the track sections 70 and '71, the lug 141 on the wheel 6() engagesthe finger 142 to pivot the lever 138 of the tripping mechanism 137 onits pin 126 and apply tension to the cable 134 to pivot the standard 120from the solid-line to the phantom position of FIGS. 2 and 13. Thisoperation causes the fork-like member 129 to engage the pins 128 andforce the suction head 100 through the collar 101, against the biasingaction of the spring 104, toward engagement with the opposite side ofthe bag 52 held by the suction head 97, as best disclosed in FIG. 2.

As the wheel 60 continues to rotate, the lug 246 engages the finger 243of the tripping mechanism 242 to pivot the lever 241 and apply tensionto the cable 238 to pull the link 229 and open the damper 223 and createvacuum in the eXible tube 96 so that the suction head 180 will securelygrip the abutting side of the bag 52. About the same time, the lug 127on the wheel 61 trips the arm or lever 121 of the tripping mechanism 120to apply tension in the cable 117, to raise the element 106 and thesuction head 100 from the solid-line position to the phantom position ofFIG. 13. As the suction head 109 moves up, the continued rotation of thewheel 68 will release the tripping mechanism 137 so that the spring 104can recoil and withdraw the suction head 100 to its retracted, butelevated position disclosed in FIG. 13. As the suction head 100 isretracted, it will continue to grip the side of the bag 52 and pull itaway from the `opposite side of the bag to open it and to raise the openend of the bag over the chute 216 in iilling position.

When the bag 52 is in filling position, both wheels 60 and 61 will haverotated through one-half revolution in a forward direction. At thispoint, the projection 257 on the wheel 61 will engage the movablecontact 256 to open the switch 255, FIG. 14, thereby stopping the motor55 and the rotation of the wheels 60 and 61.

After the motor 55 has stopped, the hopper 215 is iilled with thepredetermined weight of the material 217 automatically by conventionalmeans, not shown, causing the plate 218 to pivot downwardly anddischarge the material into the open bag 52. The pivotal movement of theplate 218 rotates the arm 220 to close both dampers 221 and 223 throughthe respective connections 227 and 228. With the vacuum cut otf from thesuction heads 198 and 97, the lled bag 52 immediately drops upon themoving conveyor 155.

The pivotal movement of the arm 220 also automatically closes the switch253, FIGS. 13 and 14, to start the motor 55. Since the reversingmechanism 57 had already completed its forward rotation through 180 whenthe motor 55 stopped, its rotation is automatically reversed when themotor 55 is restarted. Thus, the rotation of both wheels 60 and 61 arereversed to lower the suction head 97 back along the tracks 69 to itsoriginal pickup position disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 13. As the suctionhead 97 reaches the end of its return stroke, the lug 236 on the wheel61 engages the lever 233 of the trip mechanism 237 to reopen the damper221 through the cable 231 so that the suction head may again firmly gripanother bag 52. Since the return movement of the suction head 97 fromits bag-filling position to its bag pickup position occupies a one-halfrevolution of the wheel 61 in reverse, the reversing mechanism 57automatically reverses its rotation Ito again drive the shaft 59 in theforward direction, and repeat the cycle.

The machine is timed so that the lug 127 on the wheel 61 will releasethe tripping mechanism 120 to permit the coil springs to retract thestems 113 within the mounting units 107 and lower the suction head 100to its original position illustrated in solid lines in FIGS. 2 and 13.The wheels 60 and 61 and the suction heads 100 and 97 are then inposition to repeat the cycle.

After the bag 52 has been filled and dropped upon the conveyor 155, thebag is held in upright position by the gate 178 and the side walls 172and 173 of the trough 171, FIG. 5. As the conveyor 155 moves the open,lled bag 52 forward toward the stitching machine 168, the top side wallsof the bags 52 are gradually closed by the converging belts 165, whichrotate in the same direction and at substantially the same rate of speedas the conveyor 155. By the time the bag 52 has reached the area 166,the top of the bag is closed and ready to enter the stitching machine168.

It will be noted that the latching mechanism 179 is timed to open thegate 178 to permit the suction head 97 to carry the bag 52 into positionbeneath the chute 216. Furthermore, after the bag has been properlypositioned for filling, the gate 178 is automatically closed by theaction of the lug 213 on the wheel 60 by actuating the trippingmechanism 214 through the cable 208.

The reversing mechanism 57 and the gear reducer 58 may be made as anintegral unit, and the gear'reducer 58 can provide an effective gearspeed reduction ratio between the motor 55 and the shaft 59 of thirty toone.

When the wheel 61 reverses its rotation, the lug 127 will pivot the nger123 about the pivot pin 124 against the action of the spring 125 withoutpivoting the lever 121, as best disclosed in FIG. 2l. In a similarmanner, when the wheel 60 rotates in a reverse direction, the lug 141and the lug 246 will pivot their respective fingers 142 and 243 withoutpivoting the corresponding levers 138 and 241, FIGS. 15 and 16.

Since some material can be weighed and dumped faster than others, it maybe necessary to operatively associate the dumping plate 218 with thestarting switch 253 by a damper link mechanism as disclosed, or a pushbutton control can be used at the start of each cycle.

The bagging machine of the present invention is especially suitable foruse in connection with handling of grain and feed. The machine isadapted to be made at a minimum of cost and eliminate the necessity ofusing highpressure air as has been used in prior bagging machines. Theprimary purpose of the present invention is to handle paper bags inmills Where feeds are made and bagged, although it will be understoodthat this bagging machine may be employed for various types of bags forcontaining various types of granular material.

The machine is particularly designed to be operated in association withconventional automatic weighing and dumping machines.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scopethereof, and therefore the invention is not limited by that which isshown in the drawings and described in the specification, but only asindicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed:

1. In a bagging machine, a spout for discharging material into a bag, amagazine spaced remote from said spout for supporting a plurality ofstacked collapsed bags, suction means spaced from said magazine, a rstsuction head, first means for communicating said suction means with saidfirst head, a second suction head, second means for communicating saidsuction means with said second head, means for mounting said second headin a bagopening position proximately spaced from said spout and remotefrom said magazine for holding a bag in registry with said spout,separate means for carrying said first head from a bag-removingposition, where said first head engages a bag in said magazine remotefrom said second head, to said bag-opening position opposing said secondhead, means for moving one of said suction heads toward and away fromsaid other suction head in bag-opening position to open the mouth ofsaid bag in registry with said spout, means for relatively moving saidsuction heads toward said spout to introduce said spout through saidopen mouth into said bag, means for discharging material through saidspout into said open bag, and means for energizing said suction means tocreate a vacuum continuously in said first suction head from itsbag-removing position until after said bag is lled with said materialand to create a vacuum in said second suction head when said second headis operative in opening said bag and holding said bag until it isfilled.

2. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising means forde-energizing said suction means after said bag is filled to releasesaid bag from both said suction heads.

3. In a bagging machine, a spout for discharging material into a bag, astationary magazine spaced remote from said spout for supporting aplurality of stacked collapsed bags, stationary suction means spacedfrom said magazine, a iirst suction head, first means for communieatingsaid suction means with said first head, a second suction head, secondmeans for communicating said suction means with said second head, meansfor mounting said second head in a bag-opening position adjacent saidspout and remote from said magazine, separate means for carrying saidfirst head from a bag-removing position adjacent said magazine andremote from said second head to said bag-opening position opposing saidsecond head on opposite sides of said spout, reciprocable means formoving said second head toward and away from said first head inbag-opening position to open the mouth of a bag held by said first head,mea-ns for relatively moving both said heads toward said spout tointroduce said spout into said open bag, means for energizing saidsuction means to create a vacuum continuously in said first head fromits bag-removing position until after said bag is filled with saidmaterial and to create a vacuum in said second head while said secondhead is operative in opening said bag and in holding said bag until itis filled, and means for actuating said spoilt to periodically dischargematerial into said bag.

4. The invention according to claim 3 in which said means fordischarging said material comprises a gate pivotally mounted in saidspout, and means linking said pivoted gate to said suction energizingmeans to eliminate the vacuum in said suction heads immediately afterthe gate has pivoted to open said spout and fill said bag.

5. The invention according to claim 4 in which said suction energizingmeans comprises a first valve in said first suction tube and a secondvalve in said second suction tube, and operative means linking saidpivoted plate to said first and second valves.

6. The invention according to claim 3 in which the operative movementsof said first and second heads are co-planar.

7. The invention according to claim 3 comprising a conveyor mountedbelow said spout for receiving said filled bags, a trough above saidconveyor having opposed walls for guiding said filled bags on saidconveyor, a gate in one of said walls in the path of said iirst head andmeans for opening said gate when said first head is carried from itsbag-removing position toward its bag-opening position.

8. The invention according to claim 3 in which said magazine is spacedbelow said spout, said carrying means comprising upwardly inclinedtracks, a carriage fixed to said first head, said carriage being movableon said tracks, and means for moving said carriage on said tracks fromsaid bag-removing position to said bag-opening position.

9. The invention according to claim 8 in which said magazine supportssaid bags in substantially horizontal position and said bags are openedand filled in substantially vertical position, intermediate means insaid track co-operative with said carriage for rotating said rst headfrom its substantially horizontal bag-removing position to asubstantially vertical bag-opening position.

10. The invention according to claim 9 in which said track comprises aninclined portion from said bag-removing position to said bag-openingposition, and a substantially vertical portion for guiding said carriagefrom said bag-opening position to a filling position where said spout isintroduced into said open bag.

il. The invention according to claim 3 in which said second headcomprises a cylindrical element, said second head mounting meanscomprises a cylindrical collar for slidably receiving said cylindricalelement to reciprocably move across the discharge path of said spout,means for reciprocably moving said cylindrical element through saidcollar toward and away from said first head in bag-opening position, andsaid means for relatively moving said heads toward said spout comprisingmeans for moving said collar in a path parallel to said discharge path.

12. The invention according to claim 11 in which said means for movingsaid collar and said means for carrying said first head are operativelyconnected to move from said bag-opening position toward said spout withsaid first and second heads continuously opposing each other to opensaid bag toward said spout.

13. In a bagging machine, a frame, a bag container spaced from saidframe and said container including a box embodying a horizontallydisposed bottom wall, a vertically adjustable base movably mounted insaid box, said base adapted to support a plurality of superimposedhorizontally disposed empty collapsed bags thereon, spring membersinterposed between said base and bottom wall of the box; a first motorarranged adjacent said box, a horizontally disposed shaft driven by saidmotor, a gear reducer and a reversing mechanism operatively l 1connected to said shaft, first and second grooved Wheels mounted on saidshaft, cables engaging said grooved Wheels, idler pulleys supported bysaid frame and said pulleys having said cables arranged in engagementtherewith; a pair of spaced apart similar tracks supported by said frameand said tracks each including an upwardly disposed vertically disposedsection and an inclined section below said vertical section, said tracksincluding separate passageways, rollers movably arranged in saidpassageways, a pair of arms connected to said rollers, said cables beingconnected to said arms, a rod extending between said arms and connectedthereto; a motor operated suction unit supported on said frame, alitting connected to said suction unit and said tting comprising a mainbody portion, a first iiexible vacuum tube connected to an end of saidmain body portion, a sleeve affixed to said tube and said sleeve beingconnected to said rods, a second exible vacuum ytube connected to theopposite end of the main body portion of the rst tube, a cylindricalelement aiiixed to the second tube, a collar having said cylindricalelement telescopically mounted therein, spring means operativelyconnecting said collar and cylindrical element together, a bushingaflixed to the upper portion of said collar, a cross rod extendingthrough said bushing; a pair of spring loaded mounting units operativelyconnected to said cross rod, a cable having an end portion thereofoperatively connected to said cross rod, a tripping mechanism comprisinga pivotally mounted lever connected to said last named cable, a springpressed finger pivotally connected to said lever, a lug on one of saidwheels for selectively engaging said iinger; pins ex- -tending outwardlyfrom said cylindrical element, a fork engaging said pins, a standardaliixed to said fork, a bracket axed to said frame and having a lowerend of Vsaid standard pivotally lconnected thereto, a cable operativelyconnected to said standard, a tripping mechanism actuated by one of saidwheels for said last named cable; a motor arranged externally of saidframe, a gear unit actuated by said last named motor, a conveyoroperatively connected to said gear unit and said conveyor including aWide endless belt; a pair of belts arranged above said conveyor forselectively closing the top portions of the bags after the bags havebeen lilled; a trough arranged in said frame and said trough includingadjustable side members, a gate hingedly connected to one of said sidemembers, means for automatically opening and closing the gate, a latchfor selectively maintaining the gate locked in closed position, meansfor selectively opening the latch, a hopper having a depending chute fordischarging material into a vertically disposed bag, a Weight controlleddumping plate adjacent said chute, dampers arranged in said fitting forcontrolling vacuum pressure in said ilexible tubes, and means forautomatically opening and closing the dampers to regulate the vacuumpressure in the tubes.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,684,191 7/54Dolman 53-386 X 2,689,073 9/54 Twigg 53-386 X 2,737,001 3/56 Bucha53-186 2,781,620 2/57 Hopkins et al. 53-190 X 2,973,612 3/61 McGowan53-190 X 3,050,918 8/62 Helm et al 53-188 X FRANK E. BAILEY, PrimaryExaminer.

TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Examiner.

1. IN A BAGGING MACHINE, A SPOUT FOR DISCHARGING MATERIAL INTO A BAG, AMAGAZINE SPACED REMOTE FROM SAID SPOUT FOR SUPPORTING A PLURALITY OFSTACKED COLLAPSED BAGS SUCTION MEANS SPACED FROM SAID MAGAZINE, A FIRSTSUCTION HEAD FIRST MEANS FOR COMMUNICATION SAID SUCTION MEANS WITH SAIDFIRST HEAD, A SECOND SUCTION HEAD, SECOND MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING SAIDSUCTION MEANS WITH SAID SECOND HEAD, MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID SECOND HEADIN A BAGOPENING POSITION PROXIMATELY SPACED FROM SAID SPOUT AND REMOTEFROM SAID MAGAZINE FOR HOLDING A BAG IN REGISTRY WITH SAID SPOUT,SEPARATE MEANS FOR CARRYING SAID FIRST HEAD FROM A BAG-REMOVINGPOSITION, WHERE SAID FIRST HEAD ENGAGES A BAG IN SAID MAGAZINE REMOTEFROM SAID SECOND HEAD, TO SAID BAG-OPENING POSITION OPPOSING SAID SECONDHEAD, MEANS FOR MOVING ONE OF SAID SUCTION HEADS TOWARD AND AWAY FROMSAID OTHER SUCTION HEAD IN BAG-OPENING POSITION TO OPEN THE MOUTH OFSAID BAG IN REGISTRY WITH SAID SPOUT, MEANS FOR RELATIVELY MOVING SAIDSUCTION HEADS